A shark found dead near Newlyn Harbour in England last month died of meningitis, an autopsy revealed. For the first time in history, scientists say they have discovered a rare Greenland shark’s body.

According to the BBC, marine biologists estimated the female shark’s age at 100. They believe a brain infection, which has never been seen in this shark species, killed it.

In March, a shark washed up on a Cornish beach. Because Greenland sharks can live for over 400 years, this shark is still considered a “juvenile.”

According to an autopsy performed by the Cornwall Marine Pathology Team, the shark had meningitis, which caused it to leave its natural deep-water habitat.

A lack of evidence links the disease to man-made stressors such as pollution, scientists say.

The pathology team also discovered damage to the shark’s fins and silt in her stomach, indicating she was alive when she was stranded.

The brain was also “discoloured and congested”, according to Veterinary pathologist James Barnett of the Cornwall Marine Pathology Team.

The bacteria strain was isolated from brain fluid and is thought to be the cause of meningitis.

According to the BBC, Rob Deaville, project lead for the CSIP, said, “This unfortunate and extraordinary stranding has allowed us to get an insight into the life and death of a species we know little about. Discovering that this shark had meningitis is likely a world’s first, but the significance of this in terms of any wider stressors is unknown.”

“Ultimately, like most marine life, deep-sea species such as Greenland sharks may also be impacted by human pressures on the ocean but there is not enough evidence at this stage to make any connections,” Rob Deaville added.

The marine animal was stranded and died as a result of the bran infection, according to the research team. Greenland sharks are known to live over 2.5 km below the surface of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans.

Also Read

In a horrific incident off the coast of South Africa, a man was mauled to death by a great white shark, and another corpse was missing

A MAN has been mauled to death by a great white shark,...